Police Search House For Evidence In Murder

Police searched a Spokane house Friday afternoon and recovered evidence that may be connected with a murder, authorities said.

Alan G. Rochek, 28, who was questioned in connection with the murder Friday, was booked into Spokane County Jail on kidnapping and assault charges.

The body of a white male was found in a shallow grave near Eloika Lake on Friday. Police have not released the victim’s identity, nor his possible relationship to Rochek.

Rochek’s last known address, 3115 E. Carlisle, was searched Friday. In addition to the evidence recovered, a stolen vehicle was found at the house, said police spokesman Dick Cottam.

Rochek also was arrested in February by Washington State Patrol troopers on charges of possession of weapons and drugs. When he was arrested Friday, he had two handguns and a sheath knife, Cottam said.

Police and sheriff’s deputies received tips that led them to the grave along a dirt road about 20 miles north of Spokane.

The site where the body was found is in Pend Oreille County, and the case was being jointly investigated by Spokane police and sheriff’s officials from Spokane and Pend Oreille counties.

Evidence suggests the crime occurred in Spokane, police said in a press release.